Trellis can be used in a variety of ways to enhance the aesthetic of your garden. Trellis fence panels can be used effectively to add height to an existing fence, as a topper, or to standalone to create a feature while separating areas within the garden. Wooden trellis panels can be added to an existing fence or wall, to give support to climbing plants and there are fence panels with integral trellis topping that can be installed to give the height of a traditional fence while still allowing light to shine through.
How to attach trellis to a fence
Ensure your wooden trellis panels have been pressure treated before installing them as this will render them resistant to rotting and will avoid the need to apply any treatments. If the trellis is going to support climbers, you will need to leave a gap between the trellis and the fence panels to give plant tendrils something to attach to, which is big enough to let you wrap your fingers comfortably round the slats of the trellis. This can be achieved by first screwing wooden battens that match the length of the panel to the fence where the top and bottom of the trellis will sit. For a large trellis panel, attach a third batten in the middle. Then, screw the trellis panel to the battens, making sure the bottom of the panel sits slightly above ground level to avoid constant contact with wet ground.
How to attach trellis to the top of an existing fence
When adding a trellis panel to the top of an existing fence panel, you may need to lengthen the fence posts to provide something to attach the trellis to. This can be done by adding wooden battens to the fence posts with brackets and screws, to extend it to the height of the trellis panel. Add a trellis clip to the inside of each newly-extended fence post, halfway between the top and the bottom of the trellis, and one at the top and bottom of each post to secure the trellis once it is attached. Slot the trellis topper in place and screw securely through the brackets. Our diamond trellis panels are available in a convex shaped option or a rectangular option, both of which make the perfect addition to an existing fence. It is important to note here that a trellis addition to the top of the fence is considered part of the fence, and the maximum height for a fence always includes any trellis. If the trellis would take your height above the permitted height, you would need to apply for planning permission. Our article What is the legal height for a fence? has lots of advice.
If you like the idea of a solid fence with a trellis topping and are replacing an existing fence, perhaps consider decorative fence panels, which feature a trellis top. Choose from the striking curve of the Omega Lattice Trellis Fence Panel, or the gentle Arched Lattice Trellis Fence Panel. For a more traditional look, there is the Tongue and Groove Lattice Top Fence Panel and the Horizontal Lattice Trellis Fence Panel. Measuring 1.8m in width, the panels are available in an assortment of heights.
For more information on any of our fencing products, call today on 01205 359188 or email at sales@withamtimber.co.uk